The report was released at the site of the future Bethesda Purple Line station. Ethan Goffman of the Montgomery County Sierra Club presented an initial copy to Ralph Bennett, president of Purple Line NOW!.

Ethan Goffman of the Montgomery County Sierra Club presentsthe report to Ralph Bennett, president of Purple Line NOW!

"Transportation infrastructure we build today will be with us for decades," said Bennett. "The Purple Line is exactly the kind of infrastructure we need as part of a 21st-century transportation system that increases our choices."

"Climate change is with us, it will get worse, and transit is the best antidote," said Goffman. "If we're serious about fighting climate change, we must build the Purple Line soon."

The new report emphasizes that automobile exhaust and sprawl intensify climate change, harm local air quality, and destroy biodiversity. Because the Purple Line links different Metro lines and is near the core city, it will draw development inward, encouraging revitalization and development where it is most needed. The Purple Line is expected to carry 68,000 passengers per day, replacing an enormous amount of automobile traffic.